Irene (Therrien) Begin

Irene Marie Begin (Therrien), Methuen, MA passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at High Pointe House Friday December 13,2019. Born and raised in Lewiston, Maine she was the daughter of the late Rhenda Leda Vallee and George Therrien and foster child to the late Gregoire (Jack) and Yvette Baillargeon She attended Lewiston schools and spent a lot of her time visiting with family and friends every chance she had.

A woman devoted to her Christian faith, she turned to her beliefs to get her through the toughest times and instilled that faith into the base of her family. In her early years, she was a cherished homemaker and mother to 8 children which later turned her to a grandmother of 14 and eventually a great grandmother to 6. She had a deep passion for singing and could often be found at the VFW singing karaoke to her favorite Classic Country Music. Her voice could light up the darkest room and she effortlessly could get everyone to join in and sing along.

Being the matriarch of such a large family, she had enough love and laughter to share with each and every one she met, and her good deeds never went unnoticed. Her sense of humor was like no other and more often than not, she could be seen with a smile on her face and her shoulder shaking laugh could get anyone to crack a smile or a giggle. She was a forgiving, kindhearted soul and will be missed terribly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She is survived by her former husband and father of her children, Jean Begin and wife Linda; her beloved children; James Begin and wife Kristen, Tracy Begin , Shane Begin and partner Jodi all of Methuen, MA. Kathleen Whitmore and husband Rex of North Reading, Janie Begin and husband Kent Griffin of Salem, ME. Luke Begin and partner Theresa Alexander of Salem NH- and Jeffrey Begin of Salisbury, MA; 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, her 3 sisters; Jean (Therrien) Cardello, Marie Claudette (Doyon) Milliken and Jacqueline Sawyer as well as five brothers; Marcel, Robert and Leo Therrien, Lucien Doyon and Ronald Bolduc. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her beloved daughter Shirley Begin along with several siblings, Norman, Wallace and Maurice Therrien, Paul Vallee, Gary Preo, and Jackie (Therrien) Lebel.

With sincerest gratitude, our family would like to thank the staff at High Pointe for their unbelievable care, compassion and understanding during such a difficult time. Her final days were spent in high spirits because of the nurses and volunteers and we are forever grateful and blessed. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations in her name to High Pointe House; 360 North Ave Haverhill, MA 01830. Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life which will take place at Granite United Church; 1 Sand Hill Road Salem, NH 03079 on Saturday December 28,2019 at 10 am